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Abstract:

A method of operating an electronic device includes selecting contents to
be backed up on the basis of a usage pattern of the contents, generating
backup data of the contents, and transmitting the backup data to a backup
server. A priority is assigned for determining whether to a backup of the
contents should occur on the basis of the usage pattern of the contents.
A backup target is selected according to at least one of the per-contents
usage frequency and the priority.

Claims:

1. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising:
selecting by a controller contents stored in the electronic device to be
backed up on the basis of a predetermined usage pattern of the contents;
generating by the controller backup data of the contents; and
transmitting by a transmitter the backup data to a backup server.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying by a display
screen an icon representing visually distinguishing contents that have
been backed up on the backup server from at least another icon that
indicates non-backed up contents.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing by the controller
of the electronic device the usage pattern of the contents, wherein the
usage pattern includes at least one of a per-contents usage time measured
during a pre-defined unit time, a per-contents usage frequency, a usage
time period of the contents, and a device usage rate per time period.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the selecting of the contents by the
controller of the electronic device to be backed up on the basis of the
usage pattern of the contents comprises: determining by the controller of
the electronic device a priority of each of the contents on the basis of
the usage pattern of the contents; and selecting by the controller of the
electronic device a backup target according to at least one of the
per-contents usage frequency and the priority.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the backup data
comprises: when the controller of the electronic device determines that
contents correspond to a data file, generating a compressed file or a
data group including the data file; and when the controller of the
electronic device determines that contents correspond to an application,
generating a folder structure in a state in which the application is
installed, a file required to execute the application, a data group
including a file generated in a process of executing the application, or
a compressed file.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the backup data by
the transmitter comprises transmitting the backup data at a time period
having a minimum usage rate of the electronic device in a pre-defined
time range.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the backup data by
the transmitter comprises transmitting the backup data when an available
memory capacity is less than or equal to a threshold.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising that the electronic device,
after transmitting the backup data, receiving unique identification
information of the backup data from the backup server.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising that the electronic device,
after the transmitter transmitting the backup data, deleting remaining
parts from the data related to the contents, other than the information
required to restore the contents and the information indicating the
existence of the contents, wherein information required to restore the
contents and information indicating the existence of the contents include
at least one of a contents name, a storage path, a folder structure and
an icon.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising, after the electronic
device receives unique identification information of the backup data,
deleting remaining parts, other than the information required to restore
the contents and the information indicating the existence of the
contents, from the data related to the contents, wherein information
required to restore the contents and information indicating the existence
of the contents include at least one of a contents name, a storage path,
a folder structure and an icon.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the electronic device
confirming contents designated as a backup exception, wherein the
selecting of the contents to be backed up comprises selecting the
contents to be backed up among the remaining contents other than the
contents designated as the backup exception among the contents stored in
the electronic device.

12. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising:
upon generation by a controller of the electronic device of an
instruction for executing previously-backed up contents, transmitting a
request for to a backup server to receive backup data of the backed up
contents that includes a unique identification information of the backup
data previously received from the backup server; receiving the backup
data from the backup server; restoring the contents using information
required to restore the backed up contents; and executing the contents.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: confirming by the
controller of the electronic device contents designated as a backup
exception; when the contents designated as the backup exception is in a
backup state, transmitting a request to the backup server for the backup
data of the contents designated as the backup exception; receiving from
the backup server the backup data of the contents designated as the
backup exception; and restoring the contents designated as the backup
exception from the backup data.

14. A method of operating a backup server, the method comprising:
receiving backup data from a user device; storing the backup data;
assigning a unique identification information to the backup data; and
transmitting the unique identification information to the user device.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: upon receiving a request
for the backup data from the user device including the unique
identification information, searching for backup data corresponding to
the unique identification information; and transmitting the backup data
to the user device.

16. An electronic device comprising: a non-transitory memory configured
to store machine executable code that is executed by a controller; a
communication unit, comprising a transceiver, configured to transmit and
receive data under the control of the controller, wherein the controller
selects contents to be backed up on the basis of a usage pattern of the
contents, generates backup data of the contents, and controls the
communication unit to transmit the backup data to a backup server.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, further comprising a display unit,
including a display screen, configured to display an icon representing
the backed-up data contents, wherein the controller controls displaying
of the icon of the contents by visually distinguishing the icon
representing the backed up data from one or more icons representing
non-backed up contents.

18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein controller is configured
for analyzing the usage pattern of the contents, and wherein the usage
pattern includes at least one of a per-contents usage time measured
during a pre-defined unit time, a per-contents usage frequency, a usage
time period of the contents, and a device usage rate per time period.

19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein in order to select
contents to be backed up on the basis of a usage pattern of the contents,
controller is configured for determining a priority of each of the
contents on the basis of the usage pattern of the contents, and selecting
a backup target according to at least one of the per-contents usage
frequency and the priority.

20. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in order to generate the
backup data, the controller is configured for generating at least one of
a compressed file, or a data group including the data file when the
contents correspond to a data file, and generates a folder structure in a
state in which the application is installed, a file required to execute
the application, a data group including a file generated in a process of
executing the application, or a compressed file if the contents
correspond to an application.

21. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured for transmitting the backup data at a time period having a
minimum usage rate of the electronic device in a pre-defined time range.

22. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured for transmitting the backup data when an available memory
capacity is less than or equal to a threshold.

23. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured for receiving from the backup server unique identification
information associated with the backup data, after previously
transmitting the backup data to the backup server.

24. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the controller is
configured for deleting remaining parts from the data related to the
contents, other than the information required to restore the contents and
the information indicating the existence of the contents, and wherein
information required to restore the contents and information indicating
the existence of the contents include at least one of a contents name, a
storage path, a folder structure and an icon.

25. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured for confirming contents designated by the user as a backup
exception, and is configured for selecting the contents to be backed up
from among the remaining contents other than the contents designated as
the backup exception among the contents stored in the electronic device.

26. An electronic device comprising: a non-transitory memory configured
to store at least machine executable code that is executed by a
controller to configure the controller for operation; a communication
unit, including a transceiver, configured to transmit and receive data
under the control of the controller, wherein the controller is configured
for, upon generation of an instruction for executing backed up contents,
transmitting a request for backup data of the backed up contents to a
backup server, receiving the backup data from the backup server,
restoring the contents by using information required to restore the
backed up contents, and executing the contents.

27. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the controller is
configured for confirming contents designated as a backup exception, when
the contents designated as the backup exception is in a backup state, and
for transmitting a request to the backup server for the backup data of
the contents designated as the backup exception , receiving from the
backup server the backup data of the contents designated as the backup
exception, and restoring the contents designated as the backup exception
from the backup data.

28. A backup server device comprising: a non-transitory memory configured
to store machine executable code that is executed by a controller for
operation; a communication unit, comprising a transceiver, configured to
transmit and receive data under the control of the controller, wherein
the controller is configured for receiving backup data from a user
device, storing the backup data, assigning unique identification
information to the backup data, and transmitting the unique
identification information to the user device.

29. The backup server device of claim 28, wherein the controller is
configured for, upon receiving the unique identification information from
the user device, searching for backup data corresponding to the unique
identification information, and transmitting the backup data to the user
device.

30. A computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs,
when executed by comprising machine executable code of an electronic
device, including instructions which execute the method of claim 1.

31. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store one or more
programs comprising machine executable code, when executed by a
controller of an electronic device, including instructions which execute
the method of claim 12.

32. A computer-readable storage medium configured to store one or more
programs comprising machine executable code, when executed by a
controller of an electronic device, including instructions which execute
the method of claim 14.

Description:

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(a)
from a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office on Jun. 4, 2012 and assigned Serial No. 10-2012-0059815,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and an apparatus to backup
contents and an electronic device thereof.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] With the rapidly growing demands on many digital devices and
particularly mobile devices, various services have been provided by using
such devices. However, since the devices have limitations in storage
space and arithmetic units, the services provided by the devices and a
usage scope thereof are inevitably limited. Particularly, in case of a
portable device, storage capacity, power, etc., are limited to a greater
extent than many stationary devices.

[0006] Therefore, a cloud service is proposed as one way a limitless
storage space and arithmetic unit can be achieved in the aforementioned
device having such a limitation. The cloud service allows an individual
user to store contents of the user into a cloud system and then to use
the contents by synchronizing the contents from among a plurality of
devices of the same user. Basically, the cloud service is based on a
process of backing up the user's contents stored in the user device.

[0007] The backup process of the cloud service is performed on contents
predetermined by the user, or contents indicated by a direct designation
of the user. At present, a backup mechanism has an advantage in that the
user can directly manage both of the backup process and a backup target.
Occasionally, however, the backup mechanism may be inconvenient to the
user. In addition, if contents which are backed up in the cloud system
are not deleted from the user device, storage space efficiency of a
terminal is not much improved.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a long-felt need in the art for a method for
more effective backup when providing a contents backup service, similarly
to the cloud system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An aspect of the present invention is to solve at least some of the
above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the
advantages described below. Accordingly, an exemplary aspect of the
present invention is to provide a method for effective contents backup,
and an electronic device thereof.

[0010] Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method for contents backup on the basis of a contents usage pattern of a
user, and an electronic device thereof.

[0011] Still another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to
provide a method for using backed up contents in a wireless communication
system, and an electronic device thereof.

[0012] Yet another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide
a method for recognizing a device usage pattern and a contents usage
pattern in a wireless communication system, and an electronic system
thereof.

[0013] In accordance with a first exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a method of operating an electronic device is provided. The
method preferably includes automatically selecting contents to be backed
up on the basis of a usage pattern of the contents, generating backup
data of the contents, and transmitting the backup data to a backup
server.

[0014] In accordance with a second exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a method of operating an electronic device is provided. The
method includes, upon generation of an instruction for executing backed
up contents, transmitting a request for backup data of the backed up
contents to a backup server, wherein the request includes unique
identification information of the backup data, receiving the backup data
from the backup server, restoring the contents by using information
required to restore the backed up contents, and executing the contents.

[0015] In accordance with a third exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a method of operating a backup server is provided. The method
includes receiving backup data from a user device, storing the backup
data, assigning unique identification information to the backup data, and
transmitting the unique identification information to the user device.

[0016] In accordance with a fourth exemplary aspect of the present
invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device
includes a memory for storing at least one software module executable by
a controller, the controller loaded with machine executable code stored
on a non-transitory machine readable medium, and a communication unit
including a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the
control of the controller, wherein the machine executable code configures
the controller on the basis of a usage pattern of the contents, generates
backup data of the contents, and transmits the backup data to a backup
server.

[0017] In accordance with a fifth exemplary aspect of the present
invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device
includes a non-transitory memory for storing at least one software module
comprising machine executable code executable by a controller, the
controller executing the machine executable code at least one software
module, and a communication unit comprising a transceiver that transmits
and receives data under the control of the controller, wherein the
controller is configured for executing a back up of contents that
includes transmitting a request for backup data of the backed up contents
to a backup server, receiving the backup data from the backup server,
restoring the contents by using information required to restore the
backed up contents, and executing the contents.

[0018] In accordance with a sixth exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a backup server device is provided. The backup server includes
a non-transitory memory for storing machine executable code that is
executable by a controller, the controller for configured for controlling
the backup server device, and a communication unit comprising a
transceiver that transmits and receives data under the control of the
controller, wherein the machine executable code configures the controller
to receive backup data from a user device, store the backup data, assign
a unique identification information to the backup data, and transmit the
unique identification information to the user device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other exemplary aspects, features and advantages of
certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more
apparent to the person or ordinary skill in the art from the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a system for
a backup service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a backup process on the basis of a
backup service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of a screen configuration when
backing up contents according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate examples of a screen configuration when
backed up contents are executed according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 5 illustrates a contents backup process according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 6 illustrates a process of using backed up contents according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a logical structure of a terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a logical structure of a
controller of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;

[0028]FIG. 9 illustrates a process for selecting a backup target of a
terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a contents backup process of an
electronic device and a combination of elements corresponding thereto
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a contents backup process of an electronic
device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates a process for executing contents of an
electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a process for contents exception handling of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates a process for deleting contents of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;

[0034] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate respective operational examples of a
process for contents backup of a backup server and a combination of
elements corresponding thereto according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for deleting contents of a backup
server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and

[0037] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a backup
server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention relates to a content backup, such as remote
backup in a cloud-based system. The present invention described
hereinafter relates to a method and apparatus for contents backup in a
wireless communication system.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a system for
a backup service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, the system includes terminals 110-1 and
110-2 and a backup server 120. The terminals 110-1 and 110-2 are user
equipments, and can store and execute digital contents. The terminals
110-1 and 110-2 may also be referred to as "electronic devices". The
terminals 110-1 and 110-2 in this example comprise mobile terminal 110-1
and a fixed terminal 110-2. However, an artisan understands and
appreciates that in no way is the claimed invention applicable only to
the electronic devices shown in FIG. 1. In this non-limiting example, the
mobile terminal 110-1 uses a wireless interface, and is accessible to the
backup server 120 by accessing to a core network 140 via a mobile network
130. An artisan should appreciate that the terminal 110-1 can also use, a
short range communication protocol (e.g. a WiFi router) that in turn
communicates with the backup server 120 via an Internet Service Provider.

[0041] The fixed terminal 110-2 uses a wired interface, and preferably is
directly accessible to the core network 140 via a wired connection.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, in case of including a wireless
communication, the fixed terminal 110-2 can access the mobile network 130
or a wireless carrier to communicate with the core network 140. The
mobile terminal 110-1 can comprise, for example, one of a smart phone, a
portable terminal, a mobile phone, a mobile pad, a media player, a tablet
computer, a handheld computer, a camera with wireless transmission
capability, and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The fixed terminal
110-2 may comprise, for example, a Personal Computer (PC). The computer
could even comprise, a proxy server, as the present invention is not to
be limited by the illustrative example.

[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the backup server 120 provides
a storage space for backing up contents generated and/or stored in the
terminals 110-1 and 110-2. In other words, the backup server 120 stores
the contents provided from the backup server 120, and provides the stored
contents at the request of the backup server 120. Herein, the contents
include an application and a data file (e.g., a document, an audio
source, an image, a moving picture, etc.). According to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the terminals 110-1 and 110-2 have
their contents backed up by the backup server 120 on the basis of a usage
pattern of the contents by the terminals 110-1 and 110-2 of the user and
a usage pattern of the user device. A backup process according to the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below in
accordance with a detailed example.

[0043]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a backup process on the basis of a
backup service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2, at 211, a terminal 110-1, 110-2 selects at
least one backup target from stored contents, i.e., stored data files and
installed applications. In this case, the terminal may select the at
least one backup target on the basis of a usage frequency of each of the
contents and a priority assigned to each of the contents.

[0045] At 213, the terminal 110-1, 110-2 generates backup data with
respect to the at least one selected backup target. The backup data may
have a format of a data group or a compressed file. Backup data for a
data file may be data obtained by compressing a file. Backup data for an
application may be a compressed file or a data group including a folder
structure in a state in which the application is installed, a file for
executing the application, and a file generated in a process of executing
the application. Herein, the file generated in the process of executing
the application includes at least one of a file generated by a user and a
file generated by the application. In other words, the backup data for
the application may be a file obtained by compressing, in a current
state, a root folder and all its sub-folders in which the application is
installed.

[0046] At 215 in the terminal 110-1, 110-2, the terminal stores the backup
data in a backup memory. The backup memory is a part of a non-transitory
storage device included in the terminal and ear-marked for backup data,
and the terminal maintains the backup data at least until the backup data
is provided to the backup server. In case shown FIG. 2, backup data for
two data files (MED 1 and MED 2) and two applications (APP 1 and APP 2)
is generated and stored. In other words, after selecting contents to be
backed up, the terminal generates the backup data, and stores the backup
data in the backup memory.

[0047] At 221 as indicated by the arrow, the backup server 120 receives
the backup data from the terminal 110-1, 110-2. In other words, the
terminal transmits the backup data to the backup server. The transmitting
of the backup data may be performed at a time determined by a user or by
the backup server, or may be performed at a pre-defined time, or may be
performed at a time when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0048] For example, the specific condition may be defined on the basis of
a device usage rate of the user. Specifically, the terminal may transmit
the backup data at a time period having a smallest device usage rate. For
another example, the specific condition may be defined on the basis of an
available memory capacity. Specifically, the terminal may transmit the
backup data when the available memory capacity is less than or equal to a
threshold. Therefore, the generation of backup data at 213 and the
receipt of backup data 221 may be performed with a specific time
interval. Although not shown in FIG. 2, before the backup data is
received, the backup server may perform an authentication process for the
backup service with respect to the terminal.

[0049] At 223, the backup server stores the received backup data to a
non-transitory storage element included in or in communication with the
backup server 120. In case of FIG. 2, backup data for two data files and
backup data for two applications are stored.

[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 2, at 225, the backup server 120
generates identification information for each of the stored backup data.
The identification information is information for indicating from which
user the backup data is provided and which data is provided from the user
among the provided backup data. Further, the identification information
may include information for indicating a location at which the backup
data is stored in the backup server. In the case shown in FIG. 2, four
pieces of identification information are generated respectively for four
pieces of backup data. For example, the identification information may be
a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The identification information is
transmitted to the terminal.

[0051] At 231, the terminal receives the identification information from
the backup server. Accordingly, the terminal can recognize that the
backup data is successfully stored in the backup server.

[0052] At 233, the terminal stores the identification information.

[0053] At 235, the terminal deletes the backup data and the backed up
contents. However, information required to restore the contents and
information for indicating the existence of the contents is not deleted.

[0054] In the backup process described above with reference to FIG. 2, the
terminal can display an application by distinguishing a backed up
application and a non-backed up application. FIG. 3 illustrates an
example of a screen configuration when backing up contents according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 3A illustrates an icon display screen 311 of applications
before backup and folders 313 of the applications.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 3A, it is shown that an application A, an
application B, and an application C are installed, and respective icons
315 of the three applications are displayed on screen 311. Accordingly, a
user can execute a corresponding application by using an icon 315
displayed on the screen 311. Regarding the folders 313, in this example
each of the applications have their own respective folder, each folder
including files for executing a corresponding application and files
generated in the process of executing the application. Although only a
root folder of each application is illustrated in FIG. 3A, a folder of
each application can include at least one sub-folder.

[0057]FIG. 3B illustrates an icon display screen 321 of applications
after backup and folders 323 of the applications. It is assumed in FIG. 3
that the application B and the application C are backed up. Referring to
FIG. 3B, an icon 316 of the backed up application is displayed such that
it is distinguished from the icon 315 before the backup. A way of
expressing the icon after the backup can be defined variously according
to a detailed exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] For example, the icon of the backed up application may be displayed
transparently, shaded, or attached with a pre-defined mark. Although the
icon of the application B and the icon of the application C are displayed
in different ways of expression in FIG. 3B, this is only for showing
applicability of various ways of expression, and thus the same expression
way is also applicable. In this case, in the folders 323, the backed up
applications B and C are deleted. That is, by deleting the applications B
and C, the terminal can free up storage space previously used to store
the deleted applications. However, although not shown in FIG. 3B,
information required for restoration of the applications B and C is not
deleted. In addition, according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, in order to facilitate the restoration of the backed
up contents at a later time, the terminal may delete only a file stored
in each folder, while a root folder and its sub-folders of the backed up
application remain intact.

[0059] After the application is backed up through the aforementioned
procedure of FIG. 2, the user can execute the backed up application
without an additional procedure. In other words, from the viewpoint of
the user, even if the backed up application is used, an additional
instruction for restoring the application is not required. The backed up
application is executed automatically with requiring a restoration of the
backed up application, such restorations in a conventional apparatus is
often time-consuming and difficult for a user to navigate the proper
command(s). The execution of the backed up application will be described
below from the viewpoint of the terminal. FIG. 4 illustrates an example
of a screen configuration when backed up contents are executed according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4A, in a state where applications B and C are
backed up, a user selects an icon 416 of the application C to instruct
the terminal to execute the application C. Accordingly, the a controller
of the terminal requests and receives backup data of the backed up
application C, and automatically restores the application C from the
received backup data. Since the backup data includes files for executing
an application which exists at a backup execution time and files
generated in an application execution process, the application C can be
restored at a time approximately equal to a generation time of the backup
data. Accordingly, icons 416 of the applications are displayed as shown
in a display screen 421 of FIG. 4B, and folders 423 of the applications
include a folder of the application C. Thereafter, the terminal executes
the application C.

[0061] In addition to the aforementioned contents backup process and the
process of executing the backed up contents, the present invention
provides a backup exception handling method. In other words, according to
the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal can
provide a backup exception function to the user. Specifically, the user
can designate a backup exception for specific contents. In this case, the
terminal can register the designated contents as a backup-disabled
target. In this case, if the designated contents have already been backed
up, the terminal acquires backup data of the designated contents from a
backup server, restores the designated contents, and registers the
contents as a backup-disabled target.

[0062] In addition, the present invention provides a method of deleting
backed up contents. For example, if the user requests deletion of one of
the backed up contents, the terminal according to this exemplary
embodiment requests the backup server to delete the contents requested to
be deleted. Accordingly, the backup server deletes the backup data and
identification information of the contents requested to be deleted.

[0063] Hereinafter, the present invention describes an interworking
process of a terminal and a backup server for providing the
aforementioned backup service with reference to the accompanying
drawings.

[0064]FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary operation of a contents backup process
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention occurring
between terminal 510 and backup server 520.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 5, at 501, the terminal 510 recognizes a
usage pattern of a user. Herein, the usage pattern includes a device
usage rate of the terminal 510 and a usage frequency per contents.

[0066] At 503, the terminal 510 selects as a backup target, the contents
having a low usage frequency or a low priority as a result of the
recognizing of the usage pattern of the user.

[0067] At 505, the terminal 510 performs an access process with respect to
a backup server 520. For example, the terminal 510 transmits a user
IDentifier (ID) to the backup server 520. The backup server 520 examines
whether the user ID is valid, and if the user ID is valid, reports to the
terminal 510 that an access to the terminal 510 is accepted.

[0068] At 507, the terminal 510 transmits the backup data of the selected
contents to the backup server 520 according to predetermined criteria,
for example, at a time period in which a usage rate of the terminal 510
is low, or a time period pre-defined by the user, or at a time when an
available memory capacity is less than or equal to a threshold.

[0069] At 509, the backup server 520 stores the backup data received from
the terminal 510, and assigns unique identification information (e.g.,
URL) to the backup data.

[0071] At 513, the terminal 510 stores the uniquely assigned received
identification information from the backup server 520, and deletes the
backed up contents. However, information required for restoration of the
backed up contents is not deleted. For example, the information required
for restoration may include at least one of a name of the contents, an
icon, information on a storage path, and a folder structure.

[0072]FIG. 6 illustrates a process of using backed up contents according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 6, at 601, a terminal 510 detects an
execution instruction for the backed up contents. The instruction could
come from a user request, but also might be an execution instruction from
an application, for example that may require contents that were backed up
to complete a request.

[0074] Accordingly, at 603, in order to request receipt of the backup data
of the backed up contents, the terminal 510 transmits identification
information (e.g., URL) of the backup data to a backup server 520. The
backup server 520 examines a user ID of the terminal 510 and the
identification information.

[0075] At 605, if the user ID and the identification information of the
backup data are valid, the backup server 520 transmits the backup data to
the terminal 510.

[0076] At 607, the terminal 510 restores contents from the backup data
received from the backup server 520, and performs a real-time based
operation. Herein, the operation implies executing of the contents. For
example, if the contents correspond to an application, the operation
implies executing of the application. Alternatively, if the contents
correspond to a data file, the operation implies reproducing, reading, or
the like of the data file.

[0077] In order to perform the procedures of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the
terminal may have logical structures of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. These items
comprise hardware and constitute a statutory invention in compliance with
35 U.S.C.§101.

[0078]FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a logical structure of a terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 7, the terminal includes a time measurement unit 712 (clock), a
controller 714 (comparator or microprocessor), a non-transitory storage
unit 716, a compression unit 718, a transmitter 720, a receiver 722, a
decompression unit 724, and an execution unit 726 (comparator or
microprocessor).

[0079] In a case of backing up contents, the time measurement unit 712
measures a time to record a usage pattern during a unit time defined to
determine contents having a low usage frequency or a low priority. The
controller 714 measures the usage pattern according to a statistical
number during the time measured by the time measurement unit 712. The
storage unit 716 stores information on contents as a backup target
measured and finally determined by the controller 714. The compression
unit 718 compresses information of the backup target. In other words, the
compression unit 718 generates backup data. The transmitter 720 transmits
the backup data. Further, the receiver 722 receives identification
information (e.g., URL) for the backup data from the backup server. The
storage unit 716 deletes the remaining parts, other than information
(e.g., a name, an icon, a storage path, etc.) required for restoration of
the data, from data related to the backed up contents. Further, the
controller 714 delivers a time reset instruction to the time measurement
unit 712. Both the compression unit and decompression unit will either be
loaded for execution into hardware such as a microprocessor or
controller, or may include their own hardware including a processor.

[0080] When using the backed up contents, the receiver 722, which is
preferably wireless but could include wired, receives backup data of the
backed up contents. The decompression unit 724 decompresses the backup
data. The decompressed data is stored in the storage unit 716. In this
case, the decompressed data is stored in a storage path of the contents,
and thus the contents can be restored. The execution unit 726 performs an
operation for the restored contents.

[0081]FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a logical structure of the
controller 714 of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the controller 714 includes a
measurement time-unit determination unit 802, a measurement value
validity determination unit 804, a contents usage pattern measurement
unit 806, a device usage pattern measurement unit 808, and a backup
target determination unit 810. None of the units described herein
constitute software per se and comprise hardware to form a statutory
invention under their broadest reasonable interpretation.

[0082] The measurement time-unit determination unit 802 determines an
update period of a usage pattern. The measurement value validity
determination unit 804 determines validity of a usage pattern value
measured by the controller 714 during a time 0 to a usage pattern
measurement time A. If the value is not valid, or a measurement failure
occurs, or identification information of backup data is received from the
backup server after backup, then the measurement value validity
determination unit 804 delivers a time measurement reset message for
resetting a time to the time measurement unit 712. The contents usage
pattern measurement unit 806 measures a usage frequency of the contents
and a usage time of the contents during a unit time A. The device usage
pattern measurement unit 808 measures a usage frequency of the terminal
per time period during the unit time A. The backup target determination
unit 810 determines contents having a low usage frequency or a low
priority as a backup target.

[0083] A time reset instruction delivered to the time measurement unit 712
is delivered by the measurement value validity determination unit 804 to
the time measurement unit 712. However, according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the time reset instruction may be
generated by the contents usage pattern measurement unit 806, the device
usage pattern measurement unit 808, the backup target determination unit
810, and the storage unit 716. The backup target determination unit 810
may determine the backup target on the basis of a value a provided from
the device usage pattern measurement unit 808 and a contents usage
frequency β provided from the contents usage pattern measurement
unit 806.

[0084] In the aforementioned backup process, an example of a process for
selecting a backup target is as follows. FIG. 9 illustrates a process for
selecting a backup target of a terminal according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 9, at 901 the terminal executes an
application which operates as a background process for measuring usage
pattern information.

[0086] At 903, the terminal executes a process for counting up to a time
unit A for updating a statistical value to measure a usage pattern.

[0087] At 905, the terminal measures a usage frequency, an execution time
of the contents, and a device usage frequency per time period from a time
0 to a time A.

[0088] At 907, the terminal determines whether or not the time A elapses.

[0089] At 909, in which the time A elapses, the terminal determines
whether a weight α per time period is a descending order of a usage
frequency of the device.

[0090] At 911, the terminal determines a weight 13 in a descending order
of an execution time of the contents.

[0091] At 913, the terminal determines contents having a low usage
frequency during the time A by applying the weights a and 13 to the usage
frequency of the contents.

[0092] At 915, the terminal determines contents having a low priority by
using an average value of the contents having a low usage frequency
measured during the time A.

[0093] The method described above in relation with FIG. 9 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0094] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a contents backup process of an
electronic device and a combination of elements corresponding thereto
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring now to FIG. 10A, at 1001 the electronic device selects a
backup target on the basis of a contents usage pattern. The contents
usage pattern includes at least one of a per-contents usage time measured
during a pre-defined unit time, a per-contents usage frequency, a usage
time period of the contents, and a device usage rate per time period.

[0096] More specifically, the electronic device can determine a priority
of each of the contents on the basis of the usage pattern of the
contents, and can select the backup target according to at least one of
the per-contents usage frequency and the priority. For example, the
priority can be determined such that, the higher the device usage rate in
a time period in which contents are used, and the longer the usage time
of the contents, the higher the priority is.

[0097] At 1003, the electronic device generates backup data. The backup
data may have a format of a data group or a compressed file. Backup data
for a data file may be a compressed file or a data group including the
data file. Backup data for an application may be a compressed file or a
data group including a folder structure in a state in which the
application is installed, a file for executing the application, and a
file generated in a process of executing the application. Herein, the
file generated in the process of executing the application includes at
least one of a file generated by a user and a file generated by the
application.

[0098] At 1005, the electronic device transmits the backup data to the
backup server. The transmitting of the backup data may be performed at a
time determined by a user, or may be performed at a pre-defined time, or
may be performed at a time when a specific condition is satisfied. For
example, the specific condition may be defined on the basis of a user's
device usage rate per time period. Specifically, the electronic device
may transmit the backup data at a time period having a minimum device
usage rate in a pre-defined time range. For example, the time range may
be defined as one day. For another example, the specific condition may be
defined on the basis of an available memory capacity. Specifically, the
terminal may transmit the backup data when the available memory capacity
is less than or equal to a threshold. For example, the threshold may be
defined as an absolute value or ratio. Thus, there can be one
predetermined criteria or two or more that result in the transmitting of
backup data.

[0099] To perform the procedure of FIG. 10A, the electronic device may
have elements of FIG. 10B. Referring to FIG. 10B, the electronic device
may include an element 1051 for selecting a backup target on the basis of
a contents usage pattern, an element 1053 for generating the backup data,
and an element 1055 for transmitting the backup data to the backup
server. These elements will comprise machine executable code loaded into
and executed by hardware such as a controller or microprocessor
configured for operation with such elements.

[0100] The method described above in relation with FIG. 10A under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0101] FIG. 11 illustrates a contents backup process of an electronic
device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 11, at 1101, the electronic device includes
hardware such as a processor, microprocessor or controller configured to
analyze a usage pattern during a unit time. The usage pattern includes a
contents usage pattern and a device usage pattern. The contents usage
pattern relates to a usage history for each of contents stored in the
electronic device, and includes at least one of a per-content usage time
measured during a pre-defined unit time, a per-contents usage frequency,
a usage time period of the contents, and a device usage rate per time
period. The device usage pattern relates to a usage history of the
electronic device itself, and includes a device usage rate per time
period. The device usage pattern may be measured with a longer period
than the contents usage pattern.

[0103] At 1103, a processor, microprocessor or controller of the
electronic device is configured to select a backup target on the basis of
a contents usage pattern. Specifically, the electronic device can
determine a priority of each of the contents on the basis of the usage
pattern of the contents, and can select the backup target according to at
least one of the per-contents usage frequency and the priority. For
example, the priority can be determined such that, the higher the device
usage rate in a time period in which contents are used, and the longer
the usage time of the contents, the higher the priority is.

[0104] At 1105, the electronic device generates and stores backup data
under control of the processor, microprocessor or controller. The backup
data may have a format of a data group or a compressed file. Backup data
for a data file may be a compressed file or a group of data including the
data file. Backup data for an application may be a compressed file or a
data group including a folder structure in a state in which the
application is installed, a file for executing the application, and a
file generated in a process of executing the application. Herein, the
file generated in the process of executing the application includes at
least one of a file generated by a user and a file generated by the
application.

[0105] At 1107, the electronic device determines whether it is time to
transmit the backup data. The transmitting of the backup data may be
performed at a time determined by a user, or may be performed at a
pre-defined time, or may be performed at a time when a specific condition
is satisfied. For example, the specific condition may be defined on the
basis of a user's device usage rate per time period. Specifically, the
time to transmit the backup data may constitute a time period having a
minimum device usage rate within a pre-defined time range. For example,
the time range may be defined as one day. For another example, the
specific condition may be defined on the basis of an available memory
capacity. Specifically, the terminal may transmit the backup data when
the available memory capacity is less than or equal to a threshold. For
example, the threshold may be defined as an absolute value or ratio.

[0106] At 1109, when it is time to transmit the backup data, the
electronic device transmits the backup data to the backup server.
Although not shown in FIG. 11, before transmitting the backup data, the
electronic device may perform an access procedure with respect to the
backup server. The access procedure may include a process of transmitting
a user ID and a process of receiving an access grant.

[0107] At 1111, the electronic device determines whether identification
information of the backup data is received. The identification
information is information for indicating the backup data stored in the
backup server. For example, the identification information may be a URL
for the stored backup data. If the identification information is
received, it implies that the backup data is correctly stored in the
backup server, that is, backup is successfully performed.

[0108] At 1113, upon receiving the identification information, the
electronic device stores the identification information, and deletes the
backed up contents from a storage element included in the electronic
device. However, information required to restore the backed up contents
and information indicating the existence of the contents are not deleted.
In other words, the electronic device deletes remaining parts, other than
the information required to restore the backed up contents and the
information indicating the existence of the contents, from the data
related to the backed up contents. For example, the information required
to restore the backed up contents may include at least one of a contents
name, a storage path, a folder structure and an icon. In addition, the
information indicating the existence of the contents may include an icon.

[0109] The method described above in relation with FIG. 11 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0110] FIG. 12 illustrates a process for executing contents of an
electronic device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.

[0111] Referring now to FIG. 12, at 1201 the electronic device determines
whether an execution instruction of backed up contents is generated. The
execution instruction can be generated by double-clicking the backed up
contents. Alternatively, another application could issue the execution
instruction.

[0112] At 1203, when the execution instruction of the backed up contents
is generated, the electronic device transmits to a backup server a
request for backup data of the backed up contents. In other words, the
electronic device requests the backup server to provide the backup data.
Further, the electronic device receives the backup data from the backup
server. In this case, although not shown in FIG. 12, the electronic
device may perform an access process with respect to the backup server
before transmitting the request for the backup data.

[0113] At 1205, the electronic device restores contents from the backup
data, and executes the contents. For example, if the contents correspond
to a data file, the electronic device restores the data file by
decompressing the backup data, then confirms a path used before the
backup of the contents and moves the data file to the confirmed location.
Alternatively, if the contents correspond to an application, the
electronic device confirms the path used before the backup of the
contents and generates a folder according to a folder structure of the
application and the confirmed location, and then de-compresses the backup
data to restore files constituting the application, and then moves the
files to the folder. According to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, if a root folder and its sub-folders of the backup
application are maintained, the electronic device is configured to moves
the restored files to each folder without the process of generating the
folders. Then, the electronic device executes the contents.

[0114] The method described above in relation with FIG. 12 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0115] FIG. 13 illustrates a process for contents exception handling of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 13, at 1301 the electronic device determines
whether or not a backup exception instruction is generated. The backup
exception instruction is a notification for instructing a user to
designate specific contents and prohibit the backup of the contents. The
user may input the backup exception instruction by means of an input
element of the electronic device.

[0117] At 1303, upon generation of the backup exception instruction, the
electronic device confirms whether or not the contents designated by the
exception instruction are in a state of being backed up. If the
designated contents are not in the state of being backed up, then at 1309
electronic device registers the contents as backup-disabled target.

[0118] Otherwise, at 1305, as the designated contents are in the state of
being backed up, the electronic device transmits a request for backup
data of the designated contents to a backup server, and receives the
backup data from the backup server. In this case, although not shown in
FIG. 13, before transmitting the request for the backup data, the
electronic device may perform an access procedure with respect to the
backup server.

[0119] At 1307, the electronic device restores the designated contents
from the backup data. For example, if the contents correspond to a data
file, the electronic device restores the data file by decompressing the
backup data, then confirms a path used before the backup of the contents
and moves the data file to the confirmed location. Alternatively, if the
contents correspond to an application, the electronic device confirms the
path used before the backup of the contents and generates a folder
according to a folder structure of the application and the confirmed
location, and then de-compresses the backup data to restore files
constituting the application, and then moves the files to the folder.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if a
root folder and its sub-folders of the backup application are maintained,
the electronic device moves the restored files to each folder without the
process of generating the folders.

[0120] At 1309, the electronic device registers the designated contents as
a backup-disabled target. Therefore, the electronic device excludes the
contents registered as the backup-disabled target when determining the
backup target according to the procedure of FIG. 11.

[0121] The method described above in relation with FIG. 13 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0122] FIG. 14 illustrates a process for deleting contents of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0123] Referring now to FIG. 14, at 1401 the electronic device determines
whether a delete instruction of backed up contents is generated. The
delete instruction is a notification for instructing a user to designate
specific contents and delete the contents. The user may input the delete
instruction by means of an input element of the electronic device.

[0124] At 1403, upon generation of the delete instruction of the backed up
contents, the electronic device transmits to a backup server a request
for deleting the contents designated by the delete instruction. The
delete request is transmitted together with identification information of
the backup data. In this case, although not shown in FIG. 14, before
transmitting the request for the deletion, the electronic device can
perform an access procedure with respect to the backup server.

[0125] At 1405, after transmitting the request for the deletion, the
electronic device deletes information regarding contents stored in the
electronic device and requested to be deleted. For example, the
information regarding the contents include information (e.g., a storage
location, etc.) for restoring the contents, information (e.g., an icon)
indicating the existence of the contents, and identification information
(e.g., URL) of the contents.

[0126] The method described above in relation with FIG. 14 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0127] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate exemplary operations of a process for
contents backup of a backup server and a combination of elements
corresponding thereto according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 15A, at 1501 the backup server determines
whether backup data is received. The backup data is data generated to
back up corresponding contents in an electronic device, that is, in a
user terminal. For example, the backup data includes a data file or an
application, and may have a format of a data group or a compressed file.
Although not shown in FIG. 15, the backup server may perform an access
process with respect to the electronic device before receiving the backup
data.

[0129] At 1503, upon receiving the backup data, the backup server stores
the backup data, and assigns identification information to the backup
data. The identification information is information indicating from which
user the backup data is provided and indicating which one corresponds to
the backup data among the backup data provided from the user.

[0130] At 1505, the backup server transmits the identification information
to the electronic device. The identification information is information
indicating from which user the backup data is provided and indicating
which one corresponds to the backup data among the backup data provided
from the user. In addition, the identification information may include
information indicating a location at which the backup data is stored in
the backup server. It can be interpreted that the identification
information is transmitted for the purpose of notifying the user the
completion of the backup.

[0131] In order to perform the procedure of FIG. 15A, the backup server
may have the elements of FIG. 15B. Referring to FIG. 15B, the backup
server includes an element 1551 for receiving backup data (receiver and
decoder), an element 1553 for storing (non-transitory memory) the backup
data, an element (controller) 1555 for assigning identification
information to the backup data, and an element 1557 (transmitter) for
transmitting the identification information.

[0132] The method described above in relation with FIG. 15A under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0133] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for deleting contents of a backup
server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Referring now to FIG. 16, at 1601 the backup server determines
whether a backup data delete request is received. The delete request is
received together with identification information of backup data.

[0135] Upon receiving the delete request, at 1603 the backup server
deletes the backup data of contents indicated by the identification
information. Further, the backup server deletes the identification
information of the backup data.

[0136] The method described above in relation with FIG. 16 under of the
present invention may be provided as one or more instructions in one or
more software modules, or computer programs stored in an electronic
device including a portable terminal.

[0137] The present invention may be implemented in an electronic device
including a portable terminal such as, for example, a smart phone and a
mobile telecommunication terminal. Hereunder, a portable terminal is used
as an example for the electronic device.

[0138] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0139] Referring now to FIG. 17, the electronic device includes hardware
including a display unit 1710 that preferably comprises a touch screen
display, an input unit 1720 that comprises a keyboard or keypad, a
communication unit 1730 that comprises a transceiver, a controller 1740
comprising a processor or microprocessor, and a non-transitory memory
1750. In the event the display unit comprises a touch screen, the input
unit 1720 is optional, or may be part of the display of the touch screen
when an application requires a keyed entry.

[0140] More particularly, the display unit 1710 provides an input/output
interface between the electronic device and a user. For example, the
display unit 1710 displays status information of the electronic device, a
character input by a user, a moving picture, a still picture, etc.,
according to an output module 1753 stored in the memory 1750. For
example, although not limited thereto, the display unit 1710 may be
constructed of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode
(LED), a Light emitting Polymer Display (LPD), an Organic Light Emitting
Diode (OLED), an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED), or
a Flexible LED (FLED). Other types of thin-film technology (TFT) displays
may be used. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the display unit 1710 displays an identifier (e.g., icon) of
contents stored in the electronic device. In this case, the identifier of
the contents displayed in the display unit 1710 is an identifier of
backed up contents and an identifier of non-backed up contents. The
identifier of the backed up contents is distinguished from the identifier
of the non-backed up contents according to a predetermined rule.

[0141] The input unit 1720 provides the controller 1740 with input data
generated by a user's selection. For example, the input unit 1720 may
include only a control button for the control of the electronic device.
For another example, the display unit 1710 may be constructed of a touch
screen, and may include a keypad. In addition, according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 1720 may provide the
controller 1740 with user's input data corresponding to a contents
execution instruction, user's input data corresponding to a backup
exception instruction, and user's input data corresponding to contents
delete instruction. The display unit 1710 and the input unit 1720 may be
combined as one component in a form of a touch screen. The input unit may
also comprise a pointing device.

[0142] The communication unit 1730 comprises a transceiver and processes a
signal transmitted and received through an antenna. For example, the
communication unit 1730 may include an antenna module, a Radio Frequency
(RF) processor, an amplifier, a tuner, an oscillator, a digital signal
processor, a codec, etc. In addition, according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 1730 may
communicate with a backup server, and may transmit and receive backup
data of contents, identification information, a request for backup data,
a delete request for backup data, etc.

[0143] The controller 1740 controls typical operations of the electronic
device. For example, the controller 1740 may process and control data
communication, and may control the execution of contents stored in the
electronic device. In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, the controller 1740 performs a contents backup
function. For example, the controller 1740 can control the electronic
device to perform at least one or all of the processes of FIG. 9 to FIG.
14. In addition, an identifier of the backed up contents can be output to
the display unit 1710 under the control of the controller 1740. In this
case, the controller 1740 can apply an effect (e.g., specific mark
attaching, transparentizing, shading, dotted lining, etc.) for indicating
backup to the identifier of the backed up contents. Instructions for
functions related to backup according to the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention can be implemented in hardware using at least one
processor included in the controller 1740. Alternatively, instructions
for functions related to backup according to the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention can be stored as a software module, and can be
executed by the controller 1740. Alternatively, some of instructions for
functions related to backup according to the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention can be implemented in hardware and the remaining
instructions can be implemented in software that is loaded into hardware
and executed (configuring the hardware) for operation. The claimed
invention under the broadest reasonable interpretation does not
constitute software per se.

[0144] The memory 1750 is a non-transitory machine readable medium that
stores machine executable code for controlling an operation of the
electronic device and data generated during the program is executed. As
illustrated in FIG. 17, the memory 1750 includes an Operating System (OS)
module 1751, a communication module 1752, the output module 1753, at
least one application 1754, at least one data file 1755, and a backup and
restore module 1756 are some examples of machine executable code stored
in the memory.

[0145] The OS module 1751 implies a built-in operating system such as
WINDOWS, LINUX, Darwin, RTXC, UNIX, OS X, or VxWorks, and includes
various software components for controlling a general system operation
such as memory management and control, storage hardware (device) control
and management, power control and management, etc. The OS module 1751
also performs a function of facilitating communication between various
hardware (device) and software constitutional elements. The communication
module 1752 includes several software components that are loaded into and
configure hardware for processing data transmission and data reception
via the communication unit 1730 or an external port. The output module
1753 includes various components for providing and displaying graphics on
a touch screen. The term `graphics` is used as the concept including a
text, a web page, an icon, a digital image, a video, an animation, etc.

[0146] The at least one application 1754 includes at least one application
program for performing a specific function by a user's request and input,
for example, a browser, an e-mail, an instant message, word processing,
keyboard emulation, an address book, a contact list, a widget, a JAVA
enable application, coding, a Digital Right Management (DRM), voice
recognition, voice recording, a position determination function, a
location-based service, a music player, etc. The at least one data file
1755 may include at least one of a text, an audio source, an image, and a
moving picture. The backup and restore module 1756 includes at least one
instruction for contents backup according to the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. For example, the backup and restore module 1756
may include instructions for performing at least one of the processes of
FIG. 9 to FIG. 14.

[0147] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a backup
server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
such as the servers 120, 520 previously described herein.

[0148] Referring now to FIG. 18, the backup server includes a
communication unit 1810 comprising a transceiver, a controller 1820, and
a non-transitory memory 1830.

[0149] The communication unit 1810 provides a hardware interface for
communicating with an electronic device. The controller 1820 controls
overall functions of the backup server. In particular, according to the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 1820
controls functions related to contents backup. For example, the
controller 1820 can control the backup server to perform at least one or
all of the procedures of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. Instructions for the backup
related functions according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention can be implemented in hardware using at least one processor
included in the controller 1820. Alternatively, instructions for the
backup related functions according to the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention can be stored in the memory 1830 as a software module
and can be executed by the controller 1820. Alternatively, some of the
instructions for the backup related functions according to the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in hardware and
the remaining instructions can be implemented in machine executable code
that is loaded into hardware for operation.

[0150] The non-transitory memory 1830 comprises a machine readable medium
that stores machine executable for controlling an operation of the backup
server and data generated during the program is executed. As shown in
FIG. 18, the memory 1830 preferably includes an OS module 1831, a
communication module 1832, and a backup service module 1833.

[0151] The OS module 1831 implies a built-in operating system such as
WINDOWS, LINUX, Darwin, RTXC, UNIX, OS X, or VxWorks, and includes
various software components for controlling a general system operation
such as memory management and control, storage hardware (device) control
and management, power control and management, etc., and is loaded into
hardware for execution

[0152] The OS module 1831 when configuring hardware for operation also
performs a function of facilitating communication. The communication
module 1832 includes various software components loaded into hardware for
execution to processing data transmission and data reception via the
communication unit 1810. The backup service module 1833 includes at least
one instruction for contents backup according to the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. For example, the backup service module 1833 may
include instructions for performing at least one of the procedures of
FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

[0153] The above-described methods according to the present invention can
be implemented in hardware, firmware or as software or computer code that
is stored in a recording medium such as a CD ROM, flash, EPROM, EEPROM,
RAM, a floppy disk, thumbnail drive, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical
disk, or computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a
remote recording medium and then stored on a non-transitory medium and
loaded into hardware such as a processor, microprocessor, or controller.
A sub-processor or additional processor may be configured to perform some
of the functions disclosed herein as performing to the processor. The
machine executable code stored on the non-transitory machine readable
medium can be stored on a local recording medium, and is loaded into
hardware such as a general purpose computer, or a special processor or in
programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be
understood in the art, the computer, the processor, microprocessor
controller or the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g.,
RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code
that when accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware
implement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it would
be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for
implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code
transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer
for executing the processing shown herein. In addition, an artisan
understands and appreciates that a "processor", "microprocessor" or
"unit" comprise hardware in the claimed invention. Finally, the claimed
invention can include the use of a location information server comprising
more than one server, such as a proxy server. Under the broadest valid
interpretation, the claimed invention constitutes statutory subject
matter in view of 35 U.S.C.§101 and does not constitute software per
se.

[0154] When implemented in software that is loaded into hardware a
computer readable non-transitory machine readable medium for storing
executable code is provided. One or more programs stored in the computer
readable recording medium are configured for execution by being loaded
into one or more processors and executed in an electronic device such as
a portable terminal. The machine executable code is stored, for example,
in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash
memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a Compact
Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) or other forms of
optical storage devices, and/or a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, the
program can be stored in a non-transitory memory configured in
combination of all or some of these storage media. In addition, the
memory configured may be plural in number as well as type, but in all
cases is a statutory memory.

[0155] Furthermore, non-transitory storage device capable can be remotely
accessed by the electronic device through a communication network such as
the Internet, an Intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide LAN (WLAN),
or a Storage Area Network (SAN) or a communication network configured by
combining the networks. The storage device can access via an external
port to the device for performing the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Furthermore, an additional storage device on the communication
network can access to the device for performing the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.

[0156] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by
backing up contents on the basis of a user pattern of an electronic
device, not only a limitation of a spatial constraint of the electronic
device can be avoided, but also a storage space of the electronic device
can be further effectively utilized.